September 23, 2023. OTTAWA, ON. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) welcomed Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, and First Lady Olena Zelenska to Canada on their historic visit.
President Zelenskyy addressed Canada’s Parliament, met with business leaders and, together with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, held an event with Canadians, including many members of the Ukrainian Canadian community, in Toronto. A UCC delegation headed by Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC, attended President Zelenskyy’s address to Parliament.
“In his historic address to Canada’s Parliament, President Zelenskyy made a passionate and compelling case for increasing military and economic aid to Ukraine to ensure Ukraine’s victory over Russia’s genocidal aggression.” stated Chyczij. “President Zelenskyy’s visit highlighted the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family between Canada and Ukraine. Our community is grateful to all Canadians and the Canadian government for their steadfast support of Ukraine. In his address, President Zelenskyy invoked the Inuktitut word Ajuinata – perseverance against adversity. The Ukrainian people will never give up. They will persevere and they will win. Together let us keep doing all we can to help ensure Ukraine’s victory.”
During President Zelenskyy’s visit, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, announced an investment of $650 million over three years to supply Ukraine with 50 armoured vehicles; the allocation of part of the $500 million in military assistance announced in June 2023; substantial macro economic support to Ukraine in 2024; new sanctions against Russia and support for peace, security and stabilization efforts in Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy also signed the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA).
The news release from the Office of the Prime Minister on President Zelenskyy’s visit is available here:
Canada reaffirms our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes
In Toronto, President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland held a powerful and moving event with many members of the Ukrainian Canadian community. The video of the event can be viewed below:
Following President Zelenskyy’s address to Parliament, UCC CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn spoke with CBC’s Power and Politics. The video can be viewed below:
